The Dark Apprentice Chapter 53

Chapter 53 A strangled gasp tore from Tracey's throat as her head broke the surface of the Black Lake. For what felt like an eternity, the i

Chapter 53

A strangled gasp tore from Tracey's throat as her head broke the surface of the Black Lake. For what felt like an eternity, the icy grip of the water had stolen her breath, a suffocating pressure that threatened to consume her entirely. Now, with a desperate lurch, her lungs finally began to draw in the frigid air. The shock of the lake's temperature was visceral; it was a physical assault, each molecule of water a tiny, biting assailant against her skin. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the already distorted world around her as the relentless cold seeped into her very bones.

Panic threatened to overwhelm her, the primal instinct to survive clashing with the lingering terror of her underwater struggle. Every nerve ending screamed in protest against the icy immersion, and the urge to flail and succumb to the cold was almost unbearable. But then, cutting through the haze of fear and physical agony, a voice reached her. The words, though simple, resonated with a strength and reassurance that instantly began to thaw the icy grip of her panic. "Don't worry," the voice said, clear and unwavering, "I’ve got you." The simple declaration was a lifeline, a beacon of warmth in the overwhelming cold, promising safety and support in the terrifying vastness of the Black Lake.

The sound of Harry’s voice acted as an anchor, gently pulling her back from the swirling vortex of fear and disorientation. His familiar tone, laced with concern and determination, resonated through the oppressive atmosphere, gradually reasserting the boundaries of reality within her mind. The fragmented images and terrifying sensations that had threatened to overwhelm her began to recede, replaced by the concrete awareness of their present circumstances. They were in the midst of the second task of the Triwizard Tournament, and amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Harry had remained true to his word, fulfilling his promise to rescue her.

Adrenaline coursed through her veins, as her friend's strong hand clasped hers, pulling her relentlessly through the churning water. Each stroke he took was powerful and assured, a stark contrast to her own weakening efforts. Though her body screamed in protest, heavy with waterlogged clothing and exhaustion, she focused every ounce of her remaining strength on making herself as buoyant and streamlined as possible, desperate not to become dead weight and hinder his progress. The icy grip of the water slowly began to numb her senses, but the unwavering determination in his pull was a lifeline, a tangible connection to safety.

Then, just as her vision began to blur at the edges and a crushing despair threatened to engulf her, she felt a sudden lightness as familiar strong arms lifted her from the frigid depths. Rough but warm fabric enveloped her trembling form as heated blankets were wrapped tightly around her, a comforting cocoon against the biting air. A cacophony of sound washed over her, a roaring tide that overwhelmed her senses. It took a moment for her to realize that the ringing in her ears was not from the water pressure, but the thunderous applause and jubilant shouts of the crowd that had gathered, their cheers a wave of elation washing over the scene.

“That was some performance by your boyfriend.” A familiar voice behind her said.

Turning towards the voice she realized at once why she recognized the familiar strength that had pulled her from the water.  Her father, in his Auror uniform, stood over her, looking down with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Dad!”

Embracing the chuckling man he put his hand behind her head, pulling her as close as possible, “I about killed Dumbledore when he asked if you could be used as part of the tournament.  His personal assurances that you were safe was not quite enough for me, but your mother made me allow it.”

“Mum?  Is she here?” Tracey asked, glancing around, having missed her family at Christmas.

To her immediate right, Blaise was thumping Harry on the chest with his open hand in excitement, while the teen cheered, clearly excited by his performance.  Harry was then embraced by Daphne, who was clearly enthralled by whatever he had done, but when the two separated with wide smiles, a small form of irritation rose in her stomach.

Before she could go to Harry’s side, her eyes found her mum, as her arms were thrown around her, “I’m here, Tracey!  You should’ve seen Harry.  He was very impressive out there.”

As if his name had beckoned him forward, Harry was right back at her side, pulling her into a hug, “I’m glad you’re okay.  I made it to you as fast as I could.”

Melting into the young man’s arms, Tracey allowed herself to be embraced, not even caring that her parents were so close.  She was desperate to know how he completed the task, and how he had done overall, but as her eyes searched the area over his shoulder the realization that the other two champions were nowhere in sight began to set in.  The fact that the foreign contingents looked put out cemented her belief, “We won?”

Chants of Potter were beginning to break out on the platform, and the smile that crossed his face was bigger than she had ever seen as he nodded, “We were the first back.  Only took-”

“Thirty one minutes.” Blaise supplied helpfully.

Tracey knew from Harry’s explanation that he had an hour to retrieve his hostage, and the fact that he had done it with so much time spare made this a decisive victory.  Particularly considering they were already getting comfortable on the docks, while the other champions were nowhere to be seen.

“How did you do it?”

.o.

Under the cloak of invisibility, Harry’s gaze remained fixed on the intricate lines of the Marauder’s Map. It was shortly after curfew, and as anticipated, Tracey dot was being escorted to the Headmaster’s office with Professor Snape. Harry had harbored a suspicion that the tournament organizers would resort to such a maneuver and had been vigilantly tracking her whereabouts.

For hours Harry stood vigil over the map wondering when they would begin to move the hostages to the Black Lake.  It seemed that a Gabrielle Delacour and a Alexi Krum had been brought into the school at some point, but by the lack of movement in the Headmasters Office, Harry had to guess they had already been put under.

It was just before dawn that the names began to move, with Dumbledore, and a gaggle of other foreign names following his lead, each hostage in tow.  Knowing there was nothing left to be done as the names disappeared off the map, he returned to the Common Room, and thought over his plans carefully, before drifting off to sleep.

.o.

As Harry stood on the large platform beside his fellow champions he stared at the water with cold eyes.  He knew this next part would be unpleasant even with his magic.  Nothing would stave off a cold this frigid, and any attempts made could interfere with his ability to complete the task.

His eyes twisted across the platforms seeing the hundreds of spectators gather across the multi-leveled floating towers.  Posters in French, Bulgarian, and English indicated a show of support for each prospective champion of their school.  The chatter and excitement for the second task was palpable, and Harry hoped they were ready for a show.

“You know what you are doing, lad?” Barty asked quietly to his right.

The Death Eater in disguise had pestered Harry about his plans for the task, and had all but forced gillyweed into his hand that morning as a last resort, but the teen remained resolute in keeping his plan to himself.  He had told none, and wanted to impress Tom if he were here today. 

“Of course.” Harry muttered back, trying to keep all the nerves away.

Grunting the man hobbled away from the teen, and Harry’s eyes continued to survey the water.  He had already summoned several sea snakes to scout the water the day before, and should have no issue in locating his hostage.

Many well wishers passed him by, but he half heartedly engaged with all of them, until a strong hand landed on his shoulder, “We meet again, I think I owe you serious conversation after you rescue my daughter.”

Harry’s eyes turned to see a sterned faced man, with broad shoulders, and an intimidating build.  His moustache was trimmed down, and he looked like a young soldier, but Harry recognized him as Tracey’s father, “Mr. Davis, it seems a lot has changed since we last saw each other.”

“I’ll say.” The man said sternly, “You know, I always heard your father was a rule breaker, and I guess that apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

Not sure what the man’s intentions were, Harry shrugged, ignoring the sternness of his voice, “It must be in my blood sir.”

“You're lucky that every letter I have received since Christmas tells me that my little girl is a very happy young woman right now, so I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt here.” The man said severely, “I trust you will bring her back in one piece?”

“Without a doubt, sir.” Harry assured the man, “Today, I will prove to the world that I am the rightful Hogwarts Champion.”

“Big words, from one so young.”

Bowing his head slightly, but feeling his irritation rising, Harry shook his head, drew his wand, and held firmly in hand, “Just watch me.  I will be holding nothing back, with your daughter's safety on the line.  She is my friend, and I will not let anything happen to her today.”

The man grunted, and stepped away, giving Harry time to shake away the discomfort from the confrontation.  His eyes scanned the surface of the water, and prepared for what was to come.  The announcer went through the introductions, but Harry had already tuned Ludo Bagman out as he explained exactly what was about to happen.

As Krum and Delacour approached the edge of the Platform preparing for the countdown to dive in, Harry mumbled out, “Don’t get in my way.  I won’t hurt you unless I am provoked.”

It was clear that both Champions had heard his words, but both offered him puzzled looks.  Fleur went as far to scoff in his direction, but Krum seemed to take his words more seriously as he nodded slowly.

At the sound of the canon Harry watched as his two rivals jumped into the water, but instead he just waited.  The cheers that started the task turned to mumbles after a minute passed of Harry just standing on the edge of the platform.

It wasn’t long before jeers started from the foreign contingent, but Harry ignored them in favor of crouching down, touching the water with the tip of his wand, and casting a dark green light from the tip.   In front of him he could see Delacour and Krum swimming away in an attempt to search for their hostage, but Harry just waited patiently.

.o.

In the early hours of the morning, before the second task, Harry found himself entering the Chamber of Secrets.  It didn’t take him long to navigate the tunnels, and when he entered the infamous Chamber, he resolutely approached the statue, calling out, “Speak to me Salazar Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts founding 4.”  As the hole in the statue parted ways, Harry immediately called out to the ancient creature, “Sesha, I need your help.”

A brief silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the rustling of unseen creatures in the undergrowth. Then, after what felt like an eternity, a soft, almost imperceptible hiss echoed from the depths of the pit. It was a sound that sent a shiver down his spine, a sound that spoke of ancient power. Slowly, majestically, a colossal form materialized at the base of the dark opening. The creature's scales shimmered faintly in the dim light, and its eyes, twin pools of molten gold, fixed upon the speaker with unnerving intensity.  A voice, low and guttural, resonated from the massive figure. "Descendent. What is it?"

“It was as I predicted.  My friend has been taken hostage in the Black Lake, can you help me find her?” Harry asked politely.

“Descendant, I would be pleased to help you, but I must feast soon.  My hunger rises.” Sesha hissed.

In understanding Harry offered a bow, “Of course, help me today, and tomorrow, we enter the forest to feast on the great spiders within.  Meals fit for a queen.”

“Very well descendent.  Will you join me now?”

“I cannot enter the water, yet.  I will send messengers, smaller disciples of yours my lady, to gather the information and return it to me.” Harry assured.

With that promise, Sesha didn’t hesitate to plunge her ways into the tunnels that would lead her out of the Chamber of Secrets and into the Black Lake.  With that part taken care of, Harry immediately returned to the surface, and made it back to the Common Room, before any were the wiser.

.o.

No more than a few minutes had passed since the cannon had rung, and the whispers about Harry not jumping into the water were becoming louder and louder.  The jeers from the foreign contingent had begun, and no one from the Hogwarts group were cheering anymore as they began to doubt Harry’s plan.

Keeping his outward demeanor serene, Harry maintained a steady gaze, scanning the placid surface of the Black Lake for the slightest indication of movement. The early morning sun was blocked off by low hanging clouds, but despite the cold he refused to be deterred. He was searching for a sign, a subtle ripple, perhaps, or a flash of something beneath the surface that would indicate his plan was successful. He trusted his intuition, a quiet certainty that had been building within him for days. He had meticulously crafted this plan, anticipating every potential obstacle and contingency.

No stone had been left unturned when working through the golden eggs hint to the second task. In his mind, every detail was accounted for, every variable considered. He was confident, not in an arrogant way, but with a quiet resolve born of careful preparation. The plan would work, of that he had little doubt. There was too much at stake to allow failure. 

The tranquility of the lake belied the tension coiling within him, a knot of anticipation that grew tighter with each passing second. He knew that time was of the essence, that he couldn't afford to linger indefinitely. But he also understood the importance of remaining calm, of not allowing his anxiety to cloud his judgment. He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs and steadying his nerves. He would wait. He would observe. He would be ready.

A small smile graced the young man’s lips as a ripple in the water indicated the arrival of his plan, as a small water snake came speeding across the top of the water.  Bending down to stick his hand out to the water, the snake quickly slid up his wrist from the water, and onto his shoulders.  When the snake was close to his ears it hissed quietly as if it were afraid of being overheard, “The Great One, has conveyed to me that your companion is situated several hundred meters from this point, residing near the Merpeople village. She remains vigilant and positioned at the outskirts, prepared to lend her aid should you have need of it. I am a loyal subject, at your disposal, young speaker. I shall stand alongside you and engage in battle if you require it."

The snake couldn’t have been more than a meter long, and was very thin.  Harry couldn’t imagine the snake would be of much use in battle, but did not wish to offend his informant, “Thank you brave one.  I need your sssspeed over your ssstrength.  Can you take me to my friend?”

“Tossss me towardsss the hidden ssssun, Ssspeaker.  I will take you above water.  From there you mussst dive.  Keep up if you can.”

Harry acknowledged with a slight incline of his head, the expression on his face one of focused intent. With a subtle, almost effortless flick of his wrist, a gesture that spoke of practiced control and inherent magical ability, the small snake was lifted from his shoulders, hovering in the air as if weightless. It writhed slightly, but it did not resist, as if attuned to Harry's will. Without any lingering hesitation or doubt, he directed the floating creature towards the expansive surface of the lake, another deft movement sending it gliding smoothly through the air. Upon reaching the water, the snake wasted no time, its instincts immediately taking over as it plunged into the depths, its small form quickly disappearing briefly beneath the dark surface. In seconds it broke the surface again however and  surged across the water, propelling itself with rapid, sinuous movements, leaving only a faint ripple in its wake as it made its way towards the middle of the lake.

Cracking his neck from side to side, Harry inhaled deeply, the cool air filling his lungs.  He retreated slightly to give himself room to launch, adopting the stance of a sprinter poised at the starting line.  With a burst of speed, he charged forward, feet pounding against the platform.  Leaping with all his might, he launched himself into the inky expanse of the Black Lake, a silent incantation escaping his lips. The magical propulsion charm took hold, surging him through the air.

Arcing downwards, he executed a clean dive, slicing through the air before plunging into the frigid depths of the lake. The shock of the icy water was immediate, a biting embrace that threatened to steal his breath. But Harry was prepared.  He refused to succumb to the chill's numbing grip. Channeling his magic with focused intent, he generated a powerful burst of force beneath him. The water churned and frothed as he was propelled upwards, launching back into the air with the grace and speed of a breaching dolphin, droplets of frozen water shimmering like scattered diamonds in his wake.

It took him only two consecutive dives to catch up with his reptilian friend, and the applause and cheers that had followed him were all but mute at this point as he remained focused on the task ahead.  The pain of the frigid water was immense, but the thought of winning the task, and getting ahead of Krum and Delacour kept him spurring forward.  Thoughts of how miserable his friend must be at the bottom of the lake, lingered in the back of his mind as well, propelling his magic to push even harder than before.

It wasn’t long before his guide began to slow down, and Harry followed the lead, for the first time allowing the pain of the icy water begin to set in.  His companion hissed to him, “The girl is directly below.  As is the Great One.”

“Passss on my thanksss.  You have my gratitude.”  Harry offered sincerely, before taking another breath, and submerged under the water. 

Gathering himself with a resolute breath, Harry steeled his nerves and avoided the temptation to plunge further into the murky depths. Instead, he raised his wand, and focused his magical intent. With a sharp, unwavering point towards the water's surface, he channeled his energy, issuing a silent but powerful command. His magic responded instantly, surging through him like a river breaking its banks, coalescing at the tip of his wand. An invisible force enveloped him, a potent bubble of pure magical energy, and then it propelled him. The acceleration was immediate and astonishing. He shot upward, leaving a trail of disturbed water in his wake. 

With inhuman speed, a velocity far exceeding the capabilities of any ordinary swimmer, he burst through the surface. He soared into the air, propelled by the last vestiges of his upward momentum, rising several meters above the water. For a fleeting moment, he hung suspended against the backdrop of the sky, the wind whipping at his soaked clothing. Then, pivoting with a grace and precision that defied the raw power of his ascent, he altered his trajectory. He transformed his upward flight into a controlled dive, bending his body and using the residual momentum to begin his descent. Simultaneously, he reignited the flow of magic, directing it with calculated intent. The magical force acted as a booster, a jet of energy that sent him shooting back towards the water, a sleek, dark missile plunging into the waves once more.

This time Harry descended fast.  A spike of adrenaline coursed through his veins as the dark water of the Black Lake obscured his vision, but his wand guided his way, and offered a small light that would ensure he did not hit anything hard.  As he began to lose momentum, he turned to the bubble head charm, and used his strength to continue to propel him through the water.

He navigated through the initial haze, the water gradually losing its murky quality as if a magical filter had been activated, revealing an astonishing sight. Before him lay a miniature underwater civilization, a community bustling with aquatic beings. The dwellings, constructed from luminous coral and smooth, iridescent shells, glowed softly, casting an ethereal light in the deep. As Harry swam closer, he observed the villagers going about their daily routines, some tending to gardens of swaying kelp, others engaged in intricate weaving with strands of shimmering seaweed. A palpable sense of order and tranquility pervaded the air, yet Harry felt a flicker of apprehension. His arrival would likely disrupt this peaceful existence, and the uncertainty of whether these beings would perceive him as a threat weighed heavily on him. He cautiously advanced, his senses alert for any signs of hostility or aggression, ready to defend himself if necessary, but hoping to find understanding with the Merpeople.

Harry didn’t have to get far before he spotted the three hostages, ropes tied around their ankles, and anchored by large rocks.  Around them a squad of merpeople were also assembled with pointed weapons that resembled crude tridents.  Frowning, Harry realized all the eyes of the villagers were on him, but none attempted to advance.

Approaching the armed magical creatures, Harry greeted them in plain English, hoping they would understand, “My friend was taken from me.  I would like her back.”

The silence of the underwater realm was suddenly broken by a chorus of murmurs amongst the gathered merpeople. Their iridescent tails flickered with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as they regarded the figure swimming before them. However, a ripple of movement drew their attention to one merperson in particular. Adorning its head was an intricately crafted crown of shimmering coral, marking it as a leader among them. With a fluid motion, this crowned individual swam forward, parting the assembled crowd. It halted a mere five meters from Harry, its eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. A moment of tense stillness hung in the water, then a sharp, piercing screech echoed through the depths. The sound, though high-pitched, held an undeniable authority. "Take her champion," the crowned merperson declared, its voice resonating with an otherworldly quality. "We are not your task. Our presence here serves but one purpose: to ensure the safety and well-being of the children." The pronouncement was clear and resolute, leaving no room for argument or misunderstanding. The rest of the merpeople shifted slightly, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering unease.

Harry nodded and slowly raised his wand, as if to demonstrate his peaceful intentions, before pointing it towards the rope that bound Tracey to the rock, and severed it with an easy flick.  Slowly the brunette began to rise through the water, and Harry offered a nod to the Chief of the Merpeople, but before he could speak, a surge of water came towards him, and before he could react the force struck him, propelling him backwards.

It felt like he had been hit by a bludger at first, but as he shook the pain away, he saw the outlines of Krum and Delacour approaching the village with unnatural speed.  Growling in fury, Harry prepared to launch an offensive, but the Mer Chieftain swam over to him, “Leave my people, and take your hostage.”

“Tell them that.” Harry spat.

The warrior looked visibly upset, and the other merpeople were raising their weapons and protesting, but clearly Krum saw this as a threat, and began casting on the magical creatures that were closest to his hostage.

Deciding that peace was no longer an option, Harry summoned several rocks from the nearby lake floor, and began hurling them at his assailants.  Before he could continue this line of attack he felt a sharp object touch his throat, and the mer chieftain screeched, “No, take this violence away from my people.”

Suddenly, before Harry could even form a word of protest, a deafening hiss ripped through the area, reverberating across the vast expanse of the lake.  The sound was primal, filled with an ancient power that sent shivers down Harry's spine.  A slow, knowing smirk crept across his face as he remembered who had been lingering in the shadows.

There was absolutely no need for him to resort to any spells or curses against the formidable leader of the Merpeople as fate had seemingly intervened.  Instead, the imposing figure of the Merpeople, who had moments before appeared ready for a fierce confrontation, was now seized by a sudden, palpable terror.  Its eyes widened in sheer fright, reflecting the dark pools of water, and a desperate scramble ensued.  The Merperson dropped its intricately carved weapon, the sound almost lost amidst the continuing echoes of the hiss.  It turned abruptly, its once proud posture replaced with one of panicked flight, and began to swim away with an astonishing, almost unbelievable speed, disappearing into the dark depths of the underwater civilization faster than Harry could have possibly imagined.  The water churned in its wake, a testament to its hasty retreat, leaving Harry swimming in place bewildered.

A cruel smile crossed Harry’s lips as the other champions looked around in panic wondering what Titanic beast might have made that sound, believing it to be a part of the task.  He took this moment to jump them both.  His wand cut through the water sending cutting, and blasting spells at his opponents with ease.

The initial onslaught caught them both off guard as they seemed to search for an underwater creature that stalked them on the bed of the lake, but Harry knew Sesha would not interfere now that he had things in hand.  Her mere voice terrified the merpeople into leaving them without a fight, and now Harry had his fellow champions where he wanted them, with no witnesses.

The magical underwater duel raged on in earnest, a whirlwind of spells and transfigurations tearing through the water. Viktor Krum, having shifted into a creature of formidable defense, a hulking, shark-like beast, met Harry's furious offensive with unexpected resilience. His monstrous form, and thick hide, proved far more adept at absorbing the brunt of Harry’s attacks, deflecting and dissipating spells that would have otherwise struck true. .

Unlike Krum, Fleur Delacour was far less prepared for the brutal onslaught. The moment the duel commenced, she found herself vulnerable. A crimson streak bloomed across her side as the first of Harry's spells, sharp and unforgiving, tore through her defenses, leaving a gash that instantly began to bleed. The initial exchange clearly demonstrated a significant disparity in the combatants’ ability to defend themselves underwater. 

Krum, a seasoned athlete and a naturally powerful wizard, had adapted to his transfigured state with impressive speed, turning it into a bulwark against Harry's attack. Delacour, while undoubtedly a skilled witch, appeared caught off guard and struggled to mount an effective defense in an environment that went against her natural Veela form. The tide of the duel, which once favored the two opposing champions when they had the drop on Harry, was quickly beginning to shift.

Harry’s grin widened as he was forced to shield a nasty crackling purple hex sent from Krum, his shield taking the impact, but the force sent him a few feet backwards.  This was why he entered the tournament.  To be tested.  Finally the moment had arrived to see how these two champions stacked against him, and he wouldn’t be reporting a failure to his mentor later.

Delving into his strengths, Harry sent a searing orange spell at Krum, whose eyes widened at the younger wizard's use of the Dark Arts.  Clearly the pro Quidditch player was familiar with the spell, and Harry just languished in Krum’s surprise, pressing him backwards, as he watched Fleur make a desperate play for her hostage.

He moved with predatory speed, not even allowing the girl to react. A swift flick of his wrist unleashed a potent banishing charm, a wave of raw magical force that slammed into her. She was thrown back violently, flying several meters through the murky water, the impact jarring her bones. Before she could regain her footing or raise a defense, another spell, a stinging bolt of pure, incapacitating energy, struck her squarely. The stunning curse hit with pinpoint accuracy, overwhelming her senses and shutting down her motor functions. Her eyes rolled back, and her body went limp, sagging heavily, her unconscious form sinking slowly beneath the surface.

Krum’s eyes widened in surprise, but did not let up in his offensive against Harry.  Furiously the two exchanged spells that exploded in the middle of the water, but without the two on one advantage Harry used his unnatural strength and abilities to his advantage, causing the Durmstrang champion to flee with a speed that was clearly enhanced in his transfigured form.

Surveying the area Harry knew victory was upon him as Tracey floated towards the surface high above him now.  Swimming up to meet the girl he prepared to be attacked from behind, but no such attack ever came.

.o.

Before Harry could delve into the story of the task, Krum broke the surface of the water with Fleur Delacour on his shoulder.  Shouts for help were heard, and Harry watched as two other heads were peaking out of the water shortly after.  All were struggling in the icy cold water, and Harry shook his head, scoffing at the motley crew, hoping they would drown.

Instead they were each lifted out of the water by a phantom force, and dumped onto the dock gently.  Harry’s eyes searched the crowd to see Dumbledore’s wand in hand, clearly responsible for assisting the two champions and hostages.  

It was immediately clear that Fleur was in bad shape, as Krum began shouting for a healer, while Dumbledore fell to a knee, above the young woman pointing his wand at her chest.  In an instant the girl began coughing up water, as two medics rushed the young woman, casting diagnostics, and attempting to seal the wound on her side.

Madame Maxime was above her Champion asking questions in rapid fire French clearly trying to ascertain what happened, but the young woman didn’t speak as she stared at the ceiling of the platform either feeling lucky to be alive, or in a deep state of shock,

When the questions turned to Krum from Dumbledore the Quidditch champion had a severe expression on his face, “Potter cursed her.”

All the heads of the school and the judges turned their eyes to him, but the smirk that had once been on his features had schooled to a neutral expression.  Dumbledore left the healers to work on the French Champion as he stormed towards his student, “Mr. Potter, Mr. Krum states you attacked Ms. Delacour.  Is this true?”

Shaking his head, Harry shrugged, “Why don’t you ask the Merpeople what really happened?  I can tell you my version of events until I am blue in the face, but you won’t believe me anyways.”

“The Chieftain was supposed to report to me as soon as the last hostage was taken.” The man whispered clearly unsettled by the turn of events.

“I was the first to arrive to my hostage.” Harry said evenly, “I made contact with the merpeople, thinking they were a part of my tasks, and that I might have to defeat them, but the leader told me they were merely there as safeguards for the hostages.  I cut Tracey loose, but before I could start my ascent I was attacked by Krum and Delacour.”

“Liar!” Karkaroff roared.

“The boy is a cheat!” Madame Maxime seethed, “He must be punished.”

Cheers of agreement came from the foreign contingents.  Harry’s eyes shifted through the crowd as he saw most of the Hogwarts students were silent, likely embarrassed by what had occurred, but his eyes shifted to Tracey, who watched him like a hawk.  Clearly she was trying to ascertain the truth through his expression, but he kept his features schooled.

“He must be arrested!” Umbridge, the Ministry official demanded, “Auror Davis, take Mr. Potter into Ministry custody.”

Harry’s eyes snapped to the Auror, who looked uncomfortable by the thought, and his eyes drifted to Dumbledore who had his gaze straight on Harry, clearly trying to read the truth for himself on his expression.  Before anyone else could move however, another voice broke through the crowd.

“Non.” The soft voice of Krum cut through the protests.

All three heads of the school turned to face Viktor who was helped to his feet shakily by some of his classmates, “Potter is honest.  She attacked first.  He may have defended himself viciously, but outnumbered two to von, I vould have done the same.”

The eruptions of outrage erupted across the platform as seemingly most of the Hogwarts students roared their disapproval.  Calls for Fleur to be arrested, and Krum to be disqualified were heard, but Dumbledore shook his head as he held a wand to his throat, “SILENCE!”

The magically amplified voice echoed across the water, and Harry reached for his ears in surprise as the rest of the dock fell quiet at the legendary wizard's demand.

Dumbledore looked troubled, while he paused to stare at his school's champion, before calling out, “The winner is, HARRY POTTER!”

This clearly satisfied the Hogwarts students as eruptions of cheers continued from before, and his friends around him whistled and cheered.  The chants of Potter had resumed from before, and Harry held up a fist in the air.  

Hands began thudding him on the back, but his eyes continuously shifted to the foreign contingent who once again looked embarrassed by what had occurred.  Dumbledore was on the receiving end of furious words from the Ministry witch, while Karkaroff spat on the ground towards Harry, and led Viktor towards the boats that would take them back.

His eyes then shifted to Tracey’s father who looked greatly troubled as his daughter threw her arms around Harry embracing him tightly, and a photo was taken as Harry took her in with one arm.  He had the most itching feeling that this was not over.